Indian youth backs Op Sindoor, sees Middle East as growth engine: ORF Foreign Policy Survey
New Delhi, May 20
Young Indians have expressed strong support for Operation Sindoor, backed a tougher stance against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, and identified the Middle East as a major driver of India's future economic and strategic growth, according to the latest Foreign Policy Survey 2025 released by the Observer Research Foundation on Wednesday.
The survey, titled Foreign Policy Survey 2025: Young India and the Middle East, was conducted across 19 Indian cities between October 8 and November 26, 2025, and gathered responses from over 5,000 Indians aged 18 to 35.
The report found that support for India's foreign policy among urban youth remains "very high", with respondents continuing to favour engagement through multilateral institutions such as the United Nations.
According to the report, a key finding of the survey was the strong endorsement among young Indians for India's decisive retaliatory action against cross-border terrorism through Operation Sindoor and the government's response towards Pakistan following the terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that took place on April 22, 2025, which led to the death of 26 people.
The report stated that India's urban youth believe that Operation Sindoor and the global outreach campaign carried out by all-party delegations across the world constituted an effective response to Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, also noting that young Indians support the government's decision to keep the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance following the attack.
Respondents identified cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and border tensions with China as two of the biggest national security challenges facing India.
The report further highlighted growing support among Indian youth for reforms in the United Nations Security Council, including India's inclusion as a permanent member.
Young Indians also expressed confidence in BRICS as an alternative to the West-led global system. At the same time, the survey reflected changing perceptions regarding India's international partnerships.
While the United States had emerged as one of India's most trusted partners in previous editions, support for the US declined significantly this year. Russia and Japan were instead rated among India's most reliable partners by respondents.
The survey also underlined the increasing importance of the Middle East in India's foreign policy and economic ambitions.
According to the findings, Indian youth believe New Delhi's participation in initiatives such as IMEEC and I2U2 is essential for strengthening cooperation in the region.
Respondents viewed Middle Eastern cities as rapidly emerging centres of economic growth and technological innovation and recognised the Indian diaspora in the region as a major contributor to regional development.
The United Arab Emirates emerged as one of the most positively viewed countries in the Middle East among respondents.
The report included a dedicated "UAE Spotlight" section focusing on the India-UAE relationship, with respondents expressing strong support for closer economic cooperation and the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
According to the survey, young Indians believe cooperation with the UAE can play a major role in driving India's economic growth and prosperity.
Since its launch in 2021, the ORF Foreign Policy Survey has tracked the views of young Indians on key global developments and India's evolving role in world affairs. Previous editions focused on themes including the COVID-19 pandemic, 75 years of India's independence, multilateralism, and the China challenge.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting how trust in US has dropped. Maybe because they've been flip-flopping on trade and security issues? Russia and Japan make more sense - reliable partners who don't lecture us on our internal matters. But I'm curious about the survey methodology - 5,000 people across 19 cities is decent but could be more representative of rural youth too.
Good to see youth supporting stronger action against Pakistan. But the real test is implementation - will we actually follow through on Indus Water Treaty suspension? Also, Middle East is great for oil and jobs, but we shouldn't put all eggs in one basket. Diversify partnerships with Southeast Asia too.
The UAE relationship is genuinely special - our diaspora there contributes so much to both economies. I2U2 and IMEEC are smart moves. But here's my concern: are we becoming too dependent on Gulf countries? What happens if there's another oil crisis or regional conflict? Need backup plans.
As someone who works in foreign policy research, this survey is fascinating. The youth are pragmatic - supporting Operation Sindoor but also recognizing Middle East as economic partner. The US trust decline is notable; maybe it's the erratic trade policies or perceived unreliability. Russia and Japan offer predictability.
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 Young India is awake and knows what's best for the nation. Op Sindoor was a message to our enemies - mess with India and face the consequences. Middle East is indeed becoming the new engine of global growth, and India should be at the center of it. Proud of our diaspora in UAE!
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